Methods for increasing forced expiratory volume in asthmatics using benralizumab

Abstract

Provided herein is are methods of increasing forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) in an asthma patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of benralizumab or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating asthma by increasing forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in an adult asthma patient, comprising administering subcutaneously to the adult patient a dose of 30 mg once every four weeks for twelve weeks and then once every eight weeks of benralizumab or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein the administration increases the patient's FEV1. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administration increases the patient's FEV1 within 4 weeks of the first administration. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the asthma is eosinophilic asthma. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient has a blood eosinophil count of at least 300 cells/μl. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein, the patient has a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of at least 75% predicted value prior to the administration. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the FEV1 is increased by at least 0.1 L. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient uses high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient uses long-acting ( 32  agonists (LABA). 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient has a history of exacerbations. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the benralizumab or antigen-binding fragment thereof is administered in addition to corticosteroid therapy.